Serum IgE and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection is characterized by a progressive depletion of helper T-lymphocytes and, like allergic diseases, is associated with altered T cell regulation. Total serum IgE was measured in 67 infected male subjects, 27 uninfected heterosexual male subjects, and 18 uninfected homosexual male subjects. The mean IgE level (132 IU/ml) of infected subjects with a helper T-lymphocyte number less than or equal to 200/mm3 was significantly greater than mean IgE levels of the uninfected heterosexual (38 IU/ml) and homosexual (35 IU/ml) groups. IgE levels were inversely related to both helper T cell and suppressor/cytotoxic T cell numbers but not to IgG or IgA levels. The increase in IgE was not a reflection of an increased prevalence of atopic disease (allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis) in the infected subjects. The elevation of IgE may be related to a difference among the groups in T cell production of IgE regulatory lymphokines.
Wright
D N
DN
Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
Nelson
R P
RP
Ledford
D K
DK
Fernandez-Caldas
E
E
Trudeau
W L
WL
Lockey
R F
RF
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000276:immunology; D015497:HIV-1; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007073:Immunoglobulin E